Therapeutic Riding Program
Founded on the accepted principle that horseback riding is
a valuable form of therapy for disabled individuals.

History of Horseback Therapy - The concept of therapeutic horseback riding (hippotherapy) dates back to ancient Greece, where it was employed to rehabilitate injured warriors. Today in the United States, there are over 500 therapeutic horseback programs.

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Grand Equestrians is the Livingston County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program.
Volunteers are the backbone of the Grand Equestrian program. Without the assistance of these individuals, the children would not be able to ride the horses and experience the benefits the program aims to provide. 517-546-3950		 The program provides equine facilitated therapy to physically and mentally challenged children.

HOW IT’S DONE - Our students have a wide range of developmental challenges such as: cerebral
palsy, spinabifida, Down’s Syndrome and autism.

Riders must wear a helmet with a chin strap. Volunteers walk on one or both sides of the horse and hold onto the rider’s legs. Another volunteer leads the horse around the arena and the instructor gives the rider directions for exercises.

BENEFITS for the RIDER   BENEFITS for the VOLUNTEER
POSTURE: The stimulation combined with the warmth of the horse promotes normalization of muscle tone and improves posture.

GAIT: Adjusting to the changes of rhythm, speed and center of gravity, as well as the challenge of controlling the horse through those transitions, improves gait.

BALANCE: Equilibrium is improved with the movement of the horse.

COORDINATION: Riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to walking.

STRENGTH: Specific exercises are used during the riding session to increase strength and tone.

FLEXIBILITY: Riding stimulates and relaxes muscles.

SELF-AWARENESS: The rider receives sensory input from all senses.

SELF-CONFIDENCE: Mastering the horse despite a disability can foster self-confidence and a positive attitude.

CONCENTRATION: The rider makes the decisions to guide the horse to move in a specific direction.

SELF-DISCIPLINE: Riders must follow instruction to perform various exercises.

   Volunteers are an essential part of Grand Equestrians. No horse experience is necessary. Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

DEMONSTRATE: increased awareness, sensitivity and appreciation of the abilities of people with physical, mental and/or emotional challenges.

ASSIST: riders safely and properly as leaders and side-walkers.

LEARN: to use appropriate safety procedures and adaptive equipment.

EXPLORE: career opportunities in therapeutic riding and other related fields, such as medicine, education and rehabilitation.

INVOLVE: individuals with disabilities in other 4-H clubs and activities.

PARTICIPATE: in committee activities involving the responsibilities for planning, developing, facilitating and evaluating Grand Equestrians.

There are many areas where volunteers’ efforts are needed, such as fundraising, recruiting other volunteers, helping the instructor, assisting the riders, and public relations. Without volunteers, the students would not be able to ride.

If you would like to help our kids with fundraising or by contributing a tax deductible donation, call: Dorotha Bugard - 517-521-3570

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.  Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.  Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824.  This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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MSU Extension - Livingston County
2300 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 111, Howell MI  48843
Phone 517.546.3950   Fax 517.546.5154
Email: MSU Extension

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Last updated:  October 16, 2009 Updated by: L. Lalewicz